MORTALIS

First volume in a new DemonWars series (The Demon Apostle, 1999, etc.). In the previous struggle, ranger Elbryan was killed, but his wife Pony, more properly known as Jilseponie, a mage powered by gemstone-magic, survives, as do Bradwarden the centaur, the wise old elf Juraviel, etc. Even though the demon dactyl is dead, problems remain: goblin armies, some starving, some diseased, swarm over the land; a bunch of rebellious Abellicans, monks also powered by gemstone-magic, are stirring up trouble; and the rosy plague, spread by goblins, is taking its toll. All this means sleepless nights for King Danube, whose growing love for Pony will stir up courtly intrigues and jealousies. In sum: the recipe as before, this time without innovation. Fans only. (Author tour)